Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Brain Damage: A Review of Evidence and Medico-Legal Implications
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Neuroanatomical Effects of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids
3. Cognitive Impairments Associated with Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use
4. Behavioral Changes and Mental Health Implications
5. Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency in Medical Record Management with AI
6. AASs Use Among Women
7. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
Abbreviations
AASs | Anabolic–androgenic steroids. |
ARs | Androgen receptors. |
CNS | Central nervous system. |
fMRI | Functional magnetic resonance imaging. |
GABA | Gamma-aminobutyric acid. |
HPA | Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal. |
HPG | Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal. |
LDL | Low-density lipoprotein. |
HDLs | High-density lipoprotein. |
ROS | Reactive oxygen species. |
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Brain Region | Observed Effects | Implications |
---|---|---|
Hippocampus | Volume reduction, impaired neurogenesis | Memory deficits, cognitive dysfunction, impaired learning |
Amygdala | Hypertrophy, altered neurotransmitter balance (serotonin, dopamine) | Increased aggression, emotional instability, heightened stress response |
Prefrontal Cortex | Structural abnormalities, decreased activity in fMRI studies | Impaired impulse control, risky decision making, antisocial behaviors |
Mechanism | Observed Effects | Implications |
---|---|---|
Oxidative Stress | Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced antioxidant defenses | Neuronal damage, accelerated neurodegeneration |
Neuroinflammation | Chronic microglial activation, elevated cytokines | Synaptic dysfunction, cognitive decline, mood disorders |
Neurotransmitter Imbalance | Disrupted dopamine, serotonin, and GABA signaling | Increased risk of addiction, mood disorders, and aggression |
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Chisari, M.G.; Esposito, M.; Alloca, S.; Franco, S.; Francaviglia, M.; Volonnino, G.; Rinaldi, R.; Di Fazio, N.; Di Mauro, L. Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Brain Damage: A Review of Evidence and Medico-Legal Implications. Forensic Sci. 2025, 5, 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5030031
Chisari MG, Esposito M, Alloca S, Franco S, Francaviglia M, Volonnino G, Rinaldi R, Di Fazio N, Di Mauro L. Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Brain Damage: A Review of Evidence and Medico-Legal Implications. Forensic Sciences. 2025; 5(3):31. https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5030031
Chicago/Turabian StyleChisari, Mario Giuseppe, Massimiliano Esposito, Salvatore Alloca, Sabrina Franco, Martina Francaviglia, Gianpietro Volonnino, Raffaella Rinaldi, Nicola Di Fazio, and Lucio Di Mauro. 2025. "Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Brain Damage: A Review of Evidence and Medico-Legal Implications" Forensic Sciences 5, no. 3: 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5030031
APA StyleChisari, M. G., Esposito, M., Alloca, S., Franco, S., Francaviglia, M., Volonnino, G., Rinaldi, R., Di Fazio, N., & Di Mauro, L. (2025). Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Brain Damage: A Review of Evidence and Medico-Legal Implications. Forensic Sciences, 5(3), 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5030031